Welcome to Aviate New Mexico’s First Blog Post!
Hey there, fellow aviators, backcountry thrill-seekers, and desert-sky dreamers! I’m Will Fitzpatrick, your aviation safety junkie, back-country advocate, and the guy who still gets butterflies every time I taxi onto the runway. Today marks the launch of the AviateNM blog—our corner of the internet where we’ll dive headfirst into everything that makes general aviation in the Land of Enchantment so darn special. Strap in, because here’s what you can expect from us moving forward:
✈️ Airport Spotlights & Runway Reviews
Every month, we’ll shine a spotlight on a different New Mexico airport—big or small. From the pulsating hum at Double Eagle to the rugged charm of Grant-McMurray backcountry strips, we’ll cover runway conditions, pilot services, FBO vibes, and any quirks you need to know before you land. Think of it as your digital 5010 form, seasoned with a dash of New Mexico flair.
🏜️ Backcountry Access & Bush Flying Tales
Few places on Earth test your stick-and-rudder skills like New Mexico’s high-desert airstrips. We’ll share route planning tips, survival gear checklists, and real-life stories from pilots who’ve danced with mountain-wave turbulence over the Sandias or skirted the Zuni Mountains. Expect detailed approach notes, weather caveats, and maybe even a few campfire anecdotes once the winds die down.
🚨 Safety Insights & Regulatory Rundowns
Let’s face it: aviation safety can get dense. But I’m here to cut through the acronyms and boil things down to practical, check-the-boxes guidance. We’ll unpack FAA directives, review real-world safety reports (no snooze-fest—I promise), and highlight low-cost, high-impact habits that keep you and your passengers flying smooth.
🎙️ Behind-the-Mic: Podcast Highlights & Guest Interviews
AviateNM isn’t just a blog—it’s the digital companion to our podcast. Each post will spotlight standout moments from our latest episodes: interviews with local FBO managers, hot-air balloon champions, flight instructors, policy makers, and even that one engine-instrument tech who swears coffee is the secret to on-time maintenance. Want to know what keeps them up at night? We’ve got you covered.
📅 Events, Fly-Ins & Community Happenings
From the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to fly-ins at the remote Eloy strip, we’ll keep you in the loop on dates, registration tips, and pre-flight checklists so you never miss a chance to rub elbows with your aviation family. Plus, we’ll profile some of the smaller, grassroots meet-ups that deserve more love.
⚙️ Gear Reviews & Cockpit Hacks
Headsets, ADS-B receivers, kneeboards that don’t double as paperweights—there’s a sea of gadgets out there, and I’ll sort the signal from the noise. Expect honest reviews, budget-friendly finds, and those “why didn’t I think of that?” cockpit modifications that make flying easier (and occasionally more fun).
🤝 Your Questions & Flight Logs
This is a two-way runway. Got a burning question about mountain-wave turbulence? Need help interpreting a weather briefing? Drop a comment or send us an email—chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing. We’ll run a monthly “Your Questions, Our Answers” corner to keep the conversation rolling.
Why We’re Here
Aviation in New Mexico is more than machines and runways—it’s a tight-knit community of passionate people who share the same horizon-chasing dreams. Here at AviateNM, our mission is to inform, inspire, and occasionally inject a little humor into your pre-flight ritual. Whether you’re a seasoned CFI, a weekend warbird enthusiast, or eyeing your first tailwheel endorsement, consider this blog your digital co-pilot.
Let’s Get Flying
Thanks for reading our inaugural post—there’s plenty more on the horizon. Hit subscribe, follow us on social media, and keep your checklist handy. If you’ve got ideas for future posts, shoot them our way. Until next time, clear skies and happy landings!
– Will Fitzpatrick
Aviation Safety & Education Administrator | Aviate New Mexico